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How to get your medical records after a car accident

After a collision, your records are scattered across the ER, imaging centers, and follow-up providers — and you’ll need all of them for care, insurance, and any claim.

By UploMD · Updated July 2026

Why you need the complete set

Good ongoing care, an insurance claim, and any personal-injury case all depend on a complete, chronological record — and on the actual imaging, not just reports. Gaps and missing scans weaken both your treatment and your claim.

Where your records live after a crash

Request from each provider

Submit a records request to each facility (see how to request records), and be sure to get the actual imaging — a second-opinion doctor or an adjuster’s reviewer often needs the scans themselves.

Keep it organized and shareable

A clean, timestamped, chronological set is exactly what your doctor and (if applicable) your attorney need. Your lawyer can request records too, but keeping your own organized copy — with viewable imaging — keeps you in control and speeds everything up.

How UploMD helps after an accident

UploMD gathers your records from every facility involved, keeps your MRI/CT/X-ray viewable on your phone, and lets you share a complete record — imaging included — with your care team or attorney in a tap.

Skip the chasing — let UploMD gather it for you

UploMD requests your records from every facility, keeps your real MRI, CT & X-ray viewable on your phone, and lets you share securely with family, your care team, or an ER. Free to start.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need my actual images for an injury claim?

Often yes. The actual imaging supports the diagnosis; reviewers and second-opinion doctors typically want the scans, not just the radiologist’s report.

Who has my ER records after a car accident?

The hospital or ER where you were treated holds the notes and labs; the imaging center holds the scans. EMS holds the ambulance run report.

Can my lawyer get my medical records?

Yes, with your signed authorization your attorney can request them — but keeping your own organized copy with viewable imaging keeps you in control and is faster.

How fast can I get records after an accident?

Providers generally have up to 30 days, but many fill straightforward requests within a few business days.

This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Records-access rights and fees vary by state and facility; check with the specific provider for their process.